High on a kopje in the wild northern part of South Africa, as if set there by Mother Nature herself, lies the Simbavati Hillside Lodge. Here, under the limitless sky, eight tents – each with their own deck and en suite tented bathroom – allow a private safari of your own.
There are no fences between the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and the vast Kruger National Park, giving game more than 20 000km² to roam freely. This is Big 5 country and, with your guide and Shangaan tracker, a stay at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge almost guarantees you will see them all. Keep your eyes peeled for the rarer wild dogs and cheetahs, too.
After your morning game drive, slip into the infinity pool, with its views all the way to the foothills of the Drakensberg; then, as the sun reaches its zenith opt for a well-earned siesta or catch up with fellow travellers in the 360° bar or lounge. Later, when the afternoon cools, follow your tracker on foot as the animals come out of the shadows and drink their fill before nightfall.
